[the_af]

> However, while I wouldn't want to miss the originals for the reboot, the reboots are done very solidly

Much like you, I'm a diehard X-COM fan and anticipated the XCOM reboot wouldn't please me, and again like you I was pleasantly surprised.

I think the biggest improvement is the streamlining of TUs from the original (which was always a bit messy) into the actions of the reboot.

> In contrast, I always felt the serialising that X-COM enforced to be an artificial limitation.

I disagree about this. I like turn-based games; they feel more cerebral and less twitchy than RTS'es. I can play XCOM while eating a sandwich or drinking coffee, while I can't play an RTS that way.

[ncallaway]

> I can play XCOM while eating a sandwich or drinking coffee, while I can't play an RTS that way.

To be clear, Frozen Synapse is also a turn-based strategy game. You can enjoy your sandwich or coffee while playing. The difference it's you and your opponent plan your turn simultaneously. But you are still fundamentally planning a turn.

The aspect I enjoy about the mechanic is it leaves a lot more uncertainty in the air when planning in the turn. I still have to take into account the uncertainty about the opponent's actions while planning my turn.

[the_af]

A bit like Laser Squad Nemesis then? (Also by the Gollop brothers if I recall correctly).

I should be ashamed: I own Frozen Synapse, but I think I've never played it. Yet another impulse buy :(

[eru]

Yes, Frozen Synapse pays explicit Homage to Laser Squad Nemesis. I think it's quite a bit more polished though, because it's deliberately more streamlined.

If I remember right, LSN still had tiles (and thus probably discrete units of time)?

Frozen Synapse, for better or worse, goes for a much more continuous approach. Making for a very different feeling game.